News On Japan

Nijo Castle 'Honmaru Goten' Repair Work Completed

KYOTO, Aug 01 (News On Japan) - The Honmaru-goten Palace of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, has completed its restoration work and will be open to the public for the first time in 18 years from September 1.

Originally completed during the Edo period, the Honmaru Goten was completely destroyed by a great fire in 1788. The current structure was relocated from the former Katsura Palace at the Kyoto Imperial Palace during the Meiji era. It is the largest surviving palace of its kind and has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Preservation and repair work was undertaken due to structural distortions caused by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and the restoration was completed in March 2024. As a result, the palace will be open to the public for the first time in 18 years.

Kyoto Mayor Koji Matsui commented, "We strive to preserve, develop, and foster this precious cultural property so it may be cherished by both domestic and international tourists, and most importantly, the citizens of Kyoto."

The general public can visit the Honmaru Goten starting September 1. Viewing is by advance reservation only, with tickets available exclusively online from August 1.

Source: MBS

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